Most Popular

Paralysis

Actual health risk: 2

"Being dead, no big deal," wrote one reader. "Being paralyzed . . .
now that would suck." Five million or so Americans are fully or
partially paralyzed, according to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
"Brain injury, motor-vehicle accidents, diving, combat, and multiple
sclerosis are some of the ways men become paralyzed, but the most
common cause is stroke," says Bruce Gans, M.D., chief medical officer
at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, in West Orange, New Jersey.

Do this: Lower your blood pressure by drinking 12
ounces of low-sodium V8 daily. The potassium will sweep excess sodium
from your system, and the phytochemicals will help combat hypertension.

Fear this more: Falling from a ladder. According to
a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine,
ladder-related injuries at home have climbed almost 50 percent since
1990. Set the legs of the ladder 1 foot away from the wall for every 4
feet of the ladder's height.